The colorful exterior, the big bright windows, the original wood floors – Alex’s apartment in New Orleans’ Uptown neighborhood certainly isn’t lacking in charming architectural details. But it’s his ability to layer modern art buys, vintage finds, quirky plants and his own furniture designs (he’s the owner and designer of Doorman Designs) that makes this place so special.

We first got a peek at Alex's casual and fun style in his house call. Not a ton has changed since he first submitted his home, but you can see some things have shifted — art pieces moved into another space, a gallery wall added to —and it's these slight and subtle changes that make his home feel fluid and flexible.

Walking from room to room, the tons of natural light, interesting things to look at (he's got a great eye for mixing beautiful purchased art and found objects made artful) and the soothing music coming out of the vintage record player all add up to a very relaxing, "stay awhile" atmosphere.

Editor's note: Absolutely no cats were harmed in the photographing of this tour — she loved being on his shoulders!)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: I would describe my style as “handsomely curious”. I mix different pieces that are simple and sophisticated and create a layered yet laid-back vibe. I love an engaging space where visitors can’t help but walk around and ask “what exactly is that or how’s it made?”

Inspiration: Traveling and New Orleans’ upcycled finds are great places to board the inspiration train! I love creating tables or art out of random antiques that I find throughout my travels or even in my hometown of New Orleans. I can look at a random piece and see two or three different things to make. This approach makes my home unique and original.

Favorite Element: Organic raw materials from the earth and architectural salvage. I believe that humans should be stewards of the earth. Showing a respect of the earth, inside and out, is a great way to get inspired. Naturally made materials and reclaimed wood fascinates me. The texture of an old piece of wood or the patina of architectural finds adds warmth and creativity to any space. These items cast shadows and bring in textures that no made piece of furniture can duplicate.

Biggest Challenge: Not having enough space to display all the pieces I love and strategically hanging art without running out of wall space!

What Friends Say: “Oh my gosh I love your place. It’s beautiful!” “What is that?” “Can I touch it? and “where in the hell did you get it?!”

Proudest DIY: The Ikat and reclaimed wood headboard I built for my bedroom. The fabric is handmade by female rice farmers I met in Cambodia. The wood is from an old home destroyed in Hurricane Katrina and the jute rope is from Vietnam.

Biggest Indulgence: The coffee table I designed with petrified wood. It’s a 63” piece of solid fossilized stone that weighs about 300 lbs and dates back to 25 million years ago.

Best Advice: Pick pieces that mean something and you can have a relationship with. Support local artists and makers in your community. Most importantly I would recommend that people shop confidently. Develop your own style and goals for your home. Don’t expect or want your home to look just like what you see in someone else’s photo.